Chapter 261

Chapter 261

After hanging up with Elena, Arthur sat in a mahogany chair at the Lancaster Manor, his fingertips gripping a thick stack of documents.

Inside were ironclad evidence of Howard and Indigo's financial crimes over the years.

Embezzlement of Lancaster Group funds, misappropriation of project money, fraudulent invoicing for cash—every single charge backed by solid proof.

There were even records from years ago when Howard tried to force him to hand over control, even attempting to harm him in secret.

He'd kept it all.

Originally, he thought that as long as he had this evidence, Howard would show some restraint, wouldn't make any more mistakes. But he never imagined they'd be so brazen, so utterly depraved.

He closed his eyes. Images of Howard flashed through his mind—from childhood to now.

Then he thought of Kian, lying in a coma from his injuries. The last thread of family loyalty snapped clean.

He picked up his phone and called the Economic Crimes Division, filing a formal report detailing every one of Howard and Indigo's crimes.

Two hours later, in the Lancaster Group headquarters conference room.

Howard and Indigo were smugly planning their post-takeover strategy, figuring once Elena cracked, they'd take full control of the Lancaster Group.

Suddenly, several uniformed officers pushed through the door and presented an arrest warrant.

"Howard. Indigo. We've received a report that you're involved in economic crimes and suspected of intentional assault. You're both under arrest. Cooperate with the investigation."

Howard and Indigo froze, faces draining white. They were completely blindsided.

Indigo frowned. "Are you sure you have the right people?"

Howard forced himself to stay calm, barking, "You can't just arrest people without evidence!"

At that moment, Arthur entered the conference room, leaning on his cane with the old butler supporting him. His face was grave, his eyes filled with disappointment.

"I provided the evidence."

Howard, consumed by rage, broke free from the officers' grip and lunged forward, eyes red.

"You old bastard! I'm your son!"

"Why are you doing this to me? For Elena? You're willing to destroy me yourself?"

Arthur looked at his son's twisted face. Pain flooded his chest, but his voice trembled with strength.

"Why am I doing this? Ask yourself—why did you do what you did to Kian? He's your son. The Lancaster family heir. To grab power, you got your wife to frame Elena. When you did all that, did you once think about us being family?

I raised you all these years—not so you could do these despicable things, and certainly not so you could gnaw away at the Lancaster family's foundation!"

Howard stood speechless, his face cycling between pale and flushed, before the police finally dragged him away.

Watching Howard and Indigo being escorted out of the Lancaster Group building, Arthur leaned heavily on his cane. His body swayed, his face dazed.

He'd lived over seventy years, weathered countless storms, but he never imagined getting rid of these parasites would be this quick, this easy.

Yet behind that ease was endless desolation. Sending his own son and grandson to prison—no one could bear that.

Elena hurried forward, steadying Arthur before he fell, her voice soft.

"Grandpa, don't be sad. They brought this on themselves. You've done more than enough."

Arthur sighed, patting her hand, his voice hoarse.

"Elena, thank you. If you hadn't opened my eyes, I'd still be foolish, still enabling them. In the end, I would've destroyed the entire Lancaster family."

Afterward, Elena accompanied Arthur to a nearby park.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, warm on their skin, but it couldn't chase away the shadow over Arthur's heart.

He sat on a bench, gazing at the rippling lake, murmuring to himself.

"A cursed family. A cursed family..."

Elena sat beside him, saying nothing. Just quietly keeping him company.

Then her phone suddenly vibrated.

She quickly answered. Dr. White's excited voice came through.

"Ms. Reed, Mr. Lancaster is out of danger. He just woke up. You can come see him now."

"Really? He's really awake? That's wonderful—I'll be right there!"

Hanging up, Elena turned to Arthur, her eyes shining with joy. "Grandpa, Kian's awake! He's out of danger!"

Arthur's head snapped up. Light flooded his clouded eyes, the shadow on his face swept away. He grabbed Elena's hand, trembling with emotion.

"Really? Kian's awake? Quick—take me to the hospital. I need to see him!"

Elena immediately helped Arthur to the car and drove to the hospital.

The whole way, Arthur couldn't hide his excitement, repeating over and over, "As long as he's awake, as long as he's awake."

Elena watched him, her own relief washing over her.

At the hospital, they headed straight for the ICU. After getting the doctor's permission, they slowly entered.

Kian lay in bed, still pale, but his eyes were open. His body was weak, and speaking seemed to take effort.

Arthur hurried to the bedside, gripping Kian's hand, his voice choked.

"Kian, you're finally awake. You scared me to death."

Kian looked at Arthur, warmth flickering in his eyes, his voice soft.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry I worried you. I'm okay now."

"You're okay. That's all that matters."

Arthur repeated it like a mantra, then carefully asked the doctor about Kian's condition. Hearing that with proper rest he'd recover fully, Arthur finally relaxed.

He glanced at Elena, then at Kian. He knew they needed to talk. He patted Kian's hand.

"I'm going to check on Nora. That child's been through a lot too. You two talk. I won't interrupt."

With that, he turned and left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind him, leaving them space.

The room fell silent except for the faint beeping of monitors.

Elena stood there, feeling awkward, fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. Her emotions were tangled. She didn't know what to say. She just wanted to leave, to escape this discomfort.

The moment she turned, Kian suddenly spoke, his voice weak but clear. "Elena, don't go."

Elena's steps froze. She didn't turn around. She stood with her back to him, silent.

"Thank you," Kian said slowly.

Elena turned, looking at him lying there so weak. Emotions churned inside her, but she kept her voice stubborn.

"Don't mention it. I didn't do this for you. I did it for Nora. To secure some family assets for her."

Kian watched her stubborn expression. A faint smile appeared on his pale face, his eyes full of affection. He spoke softly.

"Fine. It all goes to her. And to you."

"All the Lancaster Group shares. Everything in my name. I'll transfer it all to you and Nora. From now on, neither of you will suffer any injustice. I'll protect you both."

Elena opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end she just turned her face away, her voice quiet.

"You just woke up. Rest. I'm going to check on Nora."

Kian, lying in bed, watched her retreating figure. His smile deepened.
He knew there was still a long road ahead of them.

And this time...

He had all the patience in the world to wait for her to come back to him.